In the 13-year period of 2005 through 2017, canines killed 433 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 66% (284) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Toe Chewing Pit Bull Back Home
Lexington, KY - Last month, a pit bull puppy chewed off several toes of her paraplegic owner while he slept. Today, the dog named China is back home. China rested in bed next to Terry Smith, 27, who spent about 10 days in the hospital after he woke to find that four of his toes had been chewed down to the knuckle.

After initially seizing the dog, animal control Chief Nathan Bowling said the puppy appeared to be in good health and there were no signs that she'd been abused. China, who is about 5 months old, has never been an aggressive animal, Smith said. He blames the "pit bull phobia" on owners who don't raise the animals properly.

"It takes a person to make them that way," Smith said.

Smith assumes his feet came uncovered and China went too far while nibbling at his socks. A dog lover who was paralyzed about five years ago after falling out of a tree, Smith said he never imagined something like that would happen.

Smith adds that he thinks China understands that what she did was wrong because animal control took her from her home that morning. Still, he said he plans to watch her closely and make sure his feet stay covered at night.